Big B gets back to work

All of the Hindi film industry -- not to mention his countless fans -- has been waiting eagerly for news of Amitabh Bachchan post his ailment in November last year, and his stomach surgery.

There are a myriad producers waiting to sign him up for new films, while some movies have been stalled because of the megastar's physical condition.

And finally, here comes the big news: Amitabh is ready to start work again. Excerpts from an interview with Subhash K Jha.

Why this sudden decision to get back to work?

It isn't sudden. I'm starting with dubbing for VidhuVinod Chopra's Eklavya, which I hope will not be strenuous. The film has sync sound but it needs dubbing here andthere. It's hardly anhour's work.Vinodhas been waitingsince December for me.

A few days ago, Idid some recording with Aadesh Shrivastava for Baabul.

It's a private albumthat Rohan Sippyis producing, with music by Vishal-Shekhar. I don't knowwhatkind of a song it is yet. They're keeping it a secret from me. Once the track is ready, they will ask me to record with Abhishek.

When will you start shooting?

It should happen by end of March.

Do you think you've regained your energy to that extent?

I don't know. I will find out soon. I'm going to take one step ata time. I'm starting with what is less stressful and what does not require metogo to the studios.I will be undergoingmy final tests at the endthis monthorthe first week of March. Then we will startallotting my dates for film shoots.

Yes. For KANK, most ofthe work is over. Some small sceneswith Abhishek are remaining. Baabulrequiresa lot of dates. Their 20-day December schedule was cancelledbecause of my illness. Those are the only two films I haveon the floors.

ThenI have Balkrishnan's Cheeni Kam, Ram Gopal Varma's Sholay, Sarkar2 and Ek in various stages ofpre-production.And I must tell you,my make-up man DeepakSawant has been waiting patiently for me to make a special appearance in hisBhojpuri film.

His is a small film, and he does not havethat much resources.Deepak was supposed to finishhis filmby November. This (my illness) has been a terrible blow for him.As it is Bhojpuricinema, itisn't flushwith funds.

Whendid you actually takethe decision of heading back to work?

I asked my doctors.They've been monitoring my health. They said I coulddosome work to start with.

There'sa queue of producers waiting to sign you.

I can't meet too manypeople right now.Some ofthem have left scripts with me.Deepa Mehta has spoken to meaboutKomagata Maru. I'm waitingfor the script.